Do you have a strong background in program policy development and implementation?  Do you enjoy resolving unique program issues?  If YES, then apply now for an opportunity to use your skills with an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of thousands!

What We're Looking For: The Division of Benefits Administration is seeking an experienced professional to develop benefit policy, provide legal review and analysis, and investigate and resolve escalated member and employer issues. We’re looking for a critical thinker who can analyze complex information, as well as explain it to stakeholders with various degrees of knowledge. The ideal candidate will be skilled in adapting to different challenges, possess strong organizational skills, have a careful attention to detail, and be skilled in developing collaborative relationships.

What We Offer:  This is an excellent opportunity to develop a meaningful and rewarding career with ETF. Our employees have access to an excellent comprehensive benefit and compensation package, including generous paid time off so you can truly have work/life balance! If you have student loans and work full time in a public service job (like this one!) you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. 

Who We Are:  The Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) manages retirement, insurance, and other benefit programs for 650,000+ state and local government employees and retirees of the WRS. Our members are at the center of everything we do, and we're committed to enhancing their well-being by delivering expert guidance, strong, sustainable benefit programs, and an exceptional customer experience. We're looking for talented people who are active learners that build strong collaborative customer relationships (whether internal or external) and recognize the value different perspectives and experiences bring to our organization.

Where We're Located:  ETF located in the award-winning city of Madison. Located just off University and Sheboygan Avenues, at 4822 Madison Yards Way, within walking distance to several parks, restaurants, and Hilldale Shopping Center. 

This position serves as the State's Social Security Administrator and is responsible for legal review and analysis, program policy, planning and training aspects of benefit programs administered by the Division of Benefits Administration (DBA). The position is actively involved in research, legal analysis, and independent status determinations related to the state's Social Security Section 218 agreement; data and policy analysis; resolution of program operation issues referred by the administrator; recommending and/or developing statutes, rules, policies, and interpretations to carry out the Department's objectives; and training DBA staff related to new or revised policies and interpretations of new law. This position requires knowledge about the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), the state's Social Security Section 218 agreement, and the state and federal laws pertaining to the WRS, IRS Code, and the Section 218 agreement.

This position determines the appropriate course of action for escalated issues referred from other staff, lead workers, and managers. Issues are legally or factually complicated, one-of-a-kind matters that are referred from the program areas. This work typically involves significant research and may also involve areas of law outside of the department’s purview, such as domestic relations, probate administration, guardianship and power of attorney, or employment law. Issues may also require interpretation of WRS statutory language and administrative code, and application of the interpreted law to highly individualized sets of facts. In resolving these issues, this position decides the appropriate course of action in unusual cases.

The position also provides input into fiscal note preparation; participates in developing program statistics and program performance evaluation reports; provides technical expertise and leadership to Department staff on retirement matters and other related legal issues facing our members and employers; serves as the Division’s expert witness for cases under appeal; and facilitates the implementation of Internal Audit action plans, including the generation of action plan update reports.

Please review the position description for more information.

This position is in classification Program & Policy Analyst-Adv (pay schedule/range 07-03), with an annual salary between $76960 - $94993, plus excellent benefits.

Pay for current and new state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment.

To learn more about ETF’s total compensation package, please visit our Total Rewards Calculator!

ETF offers hybrid remote/office work. If interested in hybrid remote/office work, this can be discussed in more detail during the interview process. The selected employee(s) must report to ETF’s office on the first day of employment.  In addition, the employee may need to report to ETF on short notice as operational needs require. All employees are expected to be headquartered and work within the state of Wisconsin.

ETF does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

Prior to any appointments for position(s) filled from this announcement, candidates may be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the duties required of the position.

A 1-year probationary period will be required.

Minimally Qualified candidates will have experience in all of the following:

• Independently developing and implementing programs, policies, or processes to meet regulatory or audit related obligations
• Researching and interpreting state and federal laws in order to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Investigating and resolving issues related to program and/or policy administration
• Collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups, including staff, management, customers, and legal counsel

In addition, Highly Qualified candidates will also have experience with some of the following:

• Education or experience in the legal field
• Working with social security, retirement plans, or related benefit programs
• Participating in legislative initiatives, such as drafting and/or coordinating implementation of new legislation and changes to statutes/administrative rules
• Developing program information and educational materials for various stakeholders.

To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. To be considered for this position, you must attach a resume and letter of qualifications addressing your training and experience with the qualifications listed above. 

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your eligibility for further consideration. For helpful tips, please review our instructions for developing your resume and letter of qualifications.

Online applications that do not include all requested materials may not be considered. Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. 

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for transfer, voluntary demotion, or reinstatement should complete the application process described above by the stated deadline.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability.  If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

For applicant questions or employment inquiries contact ETF Human Resources: ETFJobs@etf.wi.gov, 608-267-2199. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

ETF is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Application materials are due by 11:59 pm on April 6, 2026.